CINCINNATI — Two players who made a name for themselves with strong play and even stronger personalities are the latest inductees to the Bengals Ring of Honor.
One made a name through style and grace, the other through passion and spirit. Both connected with Bengals fans on various levels throughout their time Cincinnati, and continue to stir passion a half-century later.
The team announced Wednesday that guard Dave Lapham (1974-83) and former All-Pro corner Lemar Parrish (1970-77) will be added to the team’s Ring of Honor in 2025, becoming the 11th and 12th members of the prestigious group. They will join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Corey Dillon, Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson, Tim Krumrie, Anthony Muñoz and Ken Riley as names on the East facade of Paycor Stadium.
Lapham, who enters his 50th season with the Bengals in 2025, is one of the team’s most popular and most beloved historical figures. As a player, he was arguably the most versatile offensive lineman to ever wear a Bengals uniform, lining up to start at all five O-line positions during his 140-game career. Most of his career starts came as a guard, and left guard is where he was positioned on the 1981 team which reached Super Bowl XVI.
After his playing career, Lapham moved into the team’s radio broadcast booth, where he has worked ever since. Often known as “Mr. Bengal,” Lapham has been the team’s radio analyst since 1986, offering fans his insightful football knowledge, quick wit and boundless enthusiasm. Lapham will celebrate his 1,000th game with the Bengals this season (including both his playing and broadcasting careers).
“It is rare to have someone who has the continuity with a team that Dave has,” said Bengals President Mike Brown. “He was a smart player who represented us well, and he continues to do so with his work in the media. He has a personality that fans identify with. Dave is someone we are grateful to have in our organization and are very proud to have him in the Ring of Honor.”
“This is without a doubt the highest honor bestowed upon me — the honor of a lifetime,” said Lapham. “I think everyone knows what the Bengals organization means to me. It is extremely humbling to know that the fans selected me to be honored in this fashion. My family and I are extremely grateful to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. It feels like a superlative dream that I have not woken up from yet. I still can’t believe it.”
Parrish, known as “Leapin’ Lemar,” is remembered by fans as one of the most athletically gifted and exciting players in team history. Recognized for his charismatic personality and flashy attire in the 1970s, his play was just as electrifying. He remains the franchise’s highest scoring defensive player, with touchdown returns recorded on four interceptions, four punts, three fumbles and one kickoff. He boasted an 18.8-yard punt return average in 1974, which still is the best mark by any player in a season since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger.
His 90-yard punt return against Washington that season is the second-longest in Bengals history, and it occurred in the same game he returned a fumble recovery 47 yards for a TD. Parrish tallied 25 interceptions as a member of the Bengals, the fifth-most in team history, then went on to record 22 more during stints with Washington and Buffalo. His six Pro Bowl selections (1970-71, ’74-77) are the second-most ever by a Bengals defensive player.
“Lemar was an exceptional player with phenomenal quickness,” said Brown. “As a cornerback, he was great in coverage. Receivers couldn’t shake free of him. As a punt returner, he was excellent — probably the most exciting punt returner we have ever had. He was a dynamic runner, quick and fast, and it showed when he had the ball in his hands. Lemar is very deserving of this honor.”
“To be selected to join the Ring of Honor means the world to me,” said Parrish. “As a little boy, I had a dream of becoming the greatest football player in the world. I thank the Bengals and Paul Brown for drafting me and giving me the opportunity to play in the NFL. I appreciate everyone who voted for me. I am pleased and extremely grateful to be selected. This is the most prestigious award that I have ever received, and it means a lot to me.”
Season ticket members selected Lapham and Parrish from a ballot that featured nine individuals who have played a significant role in the franchise’s history and tradition. For more information on the Ring of Honor, visit bengals.com/team/ring-of-honor.
The Ring of Honor induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 26. Fans may purchase tickets for all home games at bengals.com/tickets or by calling Bengals Fan Relations at (513) 621-8383.
